Governor McAuliffe Announces $6 Million in School Security Equipment Grants

~Funds will help provide much-needed security upgrades to 519 schools and other educational facilities~

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Commonwealth has awarded $6 million in School Security Equipment Grants to help ensure the safety of Virginia’s schools.

The grants will apply to 519 schools and other educational facilities in 100 school divisions. The $6 million will go toward paying for video monitoring systems, metal detectors, classroom locks, electronic-access controls, visitor-identification systems and other security upgrades.

“These grants represent a crucial investment in safeguarding Virginia’s young people and the educators, administrators and support staff dedicated to preparing them for the future,” Governor McAuliffe said. “A new Virginia economy requires new and innovative solutions, and these school security equipment grants fit the bill.”

The School Security Equipment Grant program was established by the 2013 General Assembly in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012, mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.

“Schools should be bastions of academic excellence where students feel secure and protected,” Secretary of Education Anne Holton said. “As we work together to prepare all of our children to succeed, we must also work together to make sure that all of our students are safe.”

The awards — developed by the Virginia Department of Education and the Department of Criminal Justice Services — give priority to schools that are most in need of modern security equipment but are least able to afford these much-needed upgrades.

“Virginia students, teachers, administrators, support staff — and the parents and others who visit our schools throughout the school year — are safer today because of this program,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. “This program enhances school safety and gives our schools and first responders the tools they need to keep out intruders and respond quickly and effectively if a security threat does arise.”

This third round of awards brings the total number of schools and other educational facilities receiving state funding through the program to 1,348.

The divisions — and one regional program — awarded the 2015 School Security Equipment Grants include:

Williamsburg-James City County — $67,200 for James River Elementary, Norge Elementary and Toano Middle

School divisions and regional educational programs were invited in June to apply for the 2015 grants. The largest grant a school division may receive under the program is $100,000. A local match of 25 percent is required of most divisions.